Puppy Mill Bill Passed!!!

YEAH!!!!!!!

State bill SB 258/HB 386, the Tennessee Commercial Breeder Act to reform Tennessee puppy mills, passed nearly unanimously in the General Assembly.

This act will protect animals by placing regulations on breeders who house 20 or more female dogs or cats for breeding purposes.

This bill was prompted by several large-scale raids on puppy mills in Tennessee over the last few months, thus creating awareness for the need to set specific guidelines for the humane treatment of animals in commercial breeding facilities. The new bill also requires yearly inspections and licensing of these facilities.

It is my hope and prayer that this law will be enforced. Resources are scarce in a very tight state budget.

I have personally seen and held some of the animals that have been rescued from these awful puppy mills, and this legislation is the LEAST that we can do to help these poor dogs and cats. They are often sick, under-fed, and scared.

The bill takes effect January 1, 2010.